June 2021 In Tokyo

June is the rainy season in Tokyo. It rains so frequently just before the intense summer heat and just prior to the gentle cool down of autumn that Japan is often said to have six seasons instead of four. In fact, there are more than 400 words that express rain in Japanese -- depending on when and how it rains. Harusame is the rain that falls in spring. Samidare is the rain that falls in May, Tsuyu refers to the “rainy season” in June. Konukaame is the fine mist that fills the air in spring, but the same misty rain changes its name to Kirisame when it falls in autumn. Some might find rain a deterrent, but in fact, the warm sprinkles clear the air and give us a chance to see the subtleties of the city. For example, Tokyo Station reflected in the puddles on the pavement or the hydrangea that changes hues ever so delicately, as the moist droplets kiss its petals.

Where to see hydrangea in Tokyo

While Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, its other seasonal flowers deserve as much respect. June is the "season of Hydrangea," blooming in blue, white, fuchsia and purple. Hydrangeas are indigenous to Japan but were experimented with and improved upon by Philipp Franz von Siebold, a 19th Century German doctor and naturalist, who even named the Otaksa variety of hydrangea after his Japanese common law wife.

Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, where the University of Tokyo is located: About 3000 hydrangeas are planted here! It is also renowned for the annual hydrangea festival, where on weekends during the celebration, there are stalls selling hydrangea potted plants. Unfortunately, the festival was canceled in 2021.

Takahata Fudoson Kongoji Temple in Hino City, western Tokyo: A smaller-than-usual Hydrangea Festival is being held here even in 2021, until June 30. Additionally, during June, hydrangeas can be found along the streets of Tokyo, where they are for sale, on display, or just in bloom and are of course best viewed in the rain.

Since 1969, when the Stonewall riots broke out in the US, LGBT movements have been swelling worldwide. In the US in 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month," and in 2009 President Barack Obama declared June "LGBT Pride Month." In 2019, large-scale pride parades were held across the United States to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. At the same time, the activities of Tokyo Rainbow Pride (TRP) were also gaining more attention. In 2021, their annual event during Japan’s Golden Week holiday, April 24-May 5, was online and virtual, but additional festivities have followed. In June, the highlights of the movie "# Pride at Home 2021" and a speaking event (Japanese only) "Thinking about diverse families," are being distributed on the TRP channel. In addition, under the theme of "Equality and Inclusiveness," the "W1SH RIBBON" campaign is underway at TOKYO SKYTREE, the tallest free-standing tower in the world, and the symbol of Tokyo. The campaign aims to connect the people of the world with ribbons, regardless of gender or nationality. They are also promoting and distributing a music video produced by international photographer Leslie Kee.